The River of Doubts

In 1913 Theodore Roosevelt set out on a dangerous mission, mapping the River of doubts. No one knew much about the river and its existence was doubted too. So, in 1913 when Theodore Roosevelt lost here presidential race the Brazilian Prime Minister asked Roosevelt, an adventurer and naturalist, to try to map the mysterious river.

The trip started in December during the rainy season in the amazon forest making it worse to travel through. Going through the rapids was dangerous for the crew; in fact the first person to die, Simplicio, was drowned in the current. Also they lost most of their food when the boats holding the provisions broke. After that they had to turn to the forests for food with Monkey meat becoming their usual food to eat. They also had to face diseases with Roosevelt nearly dying from a high fever. Malaria which was carried by the bugs was another big concern for the group. Animal life also was a threat to the group, with one snake trying to bite Roosevelt but instead biting into the thick leather boot. Plus, they had to deal with the native tribes which were sometimes hostile killing the members of the crew ending when Colonel Rondon, who was experienced with dealing with the native tribes, gave the tribe a present to leave them alone. On April 27, 1914 his journey ended and he recorded the many birds and animals he had found throughout the journey.